We note with particular concern the worsening plight of religious minority communities in Iran, including Christians, Sunnis, Sufis, Jews, and Baha'i. Iranian officials continue to restrict these communities' freedom to practice their religious beliefs free from harassment, threat, or intimidation. Christian pastor Saeed Abedini's continuing harsh treatment at the hands of Iranian authorities exemplifies this trend. We repeat our call for the Government of Iran to release Mr. Abedini, and others who are unjustly imprisoned, and to cease immediately its persecution of all religious minority communities. The United States also repeats its call for the Government of Iran to provide without delay the urgent medical attention Mr. Abedini needs.

The State Department's comments were presented in regard to the European Union's "Resolution on Freedom of Religion or Belief." The 27-member EU called for Pastor Saeed's release previously before the U.N. Human Rights Council.

After first failing to present his case at the U.N. Human Right Council on a day focusing on human rights in Iran and refusing to appear before a congressional hearing focusing on Pastor Saeed's plight, this is the first proactive statement on Saeed's behalf by the State Department. This statement comes after a congressional hearing, a petition with nearly 550,000 signatures, constant media coverage, and multiple meetings with the State Department. It is a positive step in the right direction and very good news for Pastor Saeed's case.

In conjunction with this statement to the U.N., Secretary of State John Kerry must issue a statement calling for Pastor Saeed's release and make Pastor Saeed's freedom a top priority for the State Department. Yes, the comments before the U.N. by the U.S. Ambassador are helpful. But the world is watching – Iran is watching. Like members of Congress, we continue to call on Secretary of State Kerry to make a public, proactive statement calling on Iran to release Pastor Saeed without delay.

A statement from Secretary Kerry is needed and would send a powerful signal to Iran and to our allies. Time is of the essence for this U.S. citizen imprisoned and beaten in Iran.

Just days ago we told you about the efforts being made to undermine the American election system with challenges being raised in Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Michigan. We told you about our letter to the Pennsylvania election officials urging them to ensure that local law is meticulously followed.

President Obama’s outrageous decision to enter a secret deal to take in between 1,800 and 2,400 refugees that Australia refuses to admit only verifies his enduring indifference to our national security. The Obama Administration’s decision to agree to accept refugees who originated from countries...

With the strong support of the Obama Administration , both Lockheed-Martin and Boeing have been in talks with the Indian government to build the F-16 Fighting Falcon and the F-18 Super Hornet fighter aircraft in India, according to the Washington Post and numerous other news outlets. Both aviation...

Whoever becomes the 45th President of the United States sworn into office on January 20th, there are no easy or popular options of how to deal with the conundrum that is the Middle East. If the next President continues the Obama Administration’s policy of refusing to use significant and...

As the battle to retake the ISIS-held city of Mosul enters its second week, Americans are asking a number of questions regarding the latest developments of the battle to defeat ISIS. What and where is Mosul? Mosul, with a population of more than 1 million people, is the second largest city in Iraq,

Alarming and disturbing news is materializing in the wake of Vladimir Putin’s latest challenge to U. S. dominance in the Persian Gulf and Middle East. This news should concern all Americans. The Washington Times reports that the Russian President continues to outflank Washington. Just this past...

Whatever the outcome of Turkey’s recent failed coup , this country’s shambolic reputation is likely to remain haunted for the foreseeable future. Turkey’s descent into darkness and instability, a situation that has been bad and is only likely to get increasingly worse, has implications for the...

The ACLJ is an organization dedicated to the defense of constitutional liberties secured by law.

American Center for Law and Justice is a d/b/a for Christian Advocates Serving Evangelism,
Inc., a tax-exempt, not-for-profit, religious corporation as defined under Section 501(c)(3)
of the Internal Revenue Code, specifically dedicated to the ideal that religious freedom and
freedom of speech are inalienable, God-given rights. The Center's purpose is to engage legal,
legislative and cultural issues by implementing an effective strategy of advocacy, education
and litigation to ensure that those rights are protected under the law. The organization has
participated in numerous cases before the Supreme Court, Federal Court of Appeals, Federal
District Courts, and various state courts regarding freedom of religion and freedom of speech.
Your gift is very much appreciated and fully deductible as a charitable contribution. A copy
of our latest financial report may be obtained by writing to us at P.O. Box 90555, Washington,
DC 20090-0555.